In a fair world, Mickey Newbury would have a great big box of Grammies too heavy to lift for this song alone. That’s not the world we live in, of course, but we’re strong enough to bend.
Oh I wish I was a willow tree Leanin' on a lazy breeze Movin' like a midnight train Through rainy Georgia Wish I was a grain of sand Playin' in a babys hands Fallin' like a diamond chain Into the ocean Oh a willow tree is strong enough to bend Never like the oak that lives in fear of the wind A grain of sand is all I ever wanted to be Lay me down let the water Wash right over me wash over me Oh I wish I was an old guitar Sittin' in a beat-up car Hittin' every two-bit bar From here to Texas Then I wouldn't be ashamed To look up my old friends And they would be so proud To see me strung up again Oh a grain of sand Is all I ever wanted to be Lay me down and let the water Wash over me wash over me Nobody wants you When you're down and out Nobody wants to know your name You're just another face Lost in the crowded street In the crowded street Oh I wish I was a willow tree Leanin' on a lazy breeze Movin' like a midnight train Through rainy Georgia A willow tree is strong enough to bend Never like the oak that lives in fear of the wind A grain of sand is all I ever wanted to be Lay me down let the water Wash right over me wash over me Wash over me Wash over me Wash over me Wash over me
